Laser MMC-X40
LASER’S ANDROID-BASED MEDIA STREAMING DEVICE CUTS BOTH WAYS.
WHILE THE TRENDY tech companies are attempting to create the most minimalist remotes they can, Laser and its MMC-X40 are heading in the opposite direction by using a remote that’s essentially just two remotes stuck together. The regular media playback controls, volume buttons and the selection wheel sit on the front side, while the underside is lined with a dual thumbsized QWERTY keyboard. In addition to this, Laser has included a magic wand feature and a home, menu and back button for a seamless Android-like control scheme that generally works well with the MMC-X40’s Android-based OS. That said, there were a number of instances, say while browsing Netflix, where it’s clear the app hasn’t been designed to work with a remote; and even though there are three controlling interfaces, none of them are able to scroll through pages easily. Because it can draw on the existing catalogue of Play Store apps, all the major streaming and catch-up services are available, as was an ample selection of media players and local file viewers. The unit uses an 8-core CPU with 2GB of RAM to deliver 4K resolution at 60fps in HDR10+ colour. This video output is supported by up to 5.1 Dolby Digital audio output, DLNA or Screen Mirror casting, ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, an SD Card slot and three USB ports for various flash drives. The MMC-X409 has a lot going for it, but much like its remote, the device feels a little like it’s been pieced together quickly, which, for a premium 4K media streaming box, isn’t ideal.